Yesterday we had a great day on the college hardwood going (4-1) taking us above .500 (15-16). We were all over St. John’s against the overvalued UCONN Huskies who got the outright victory. Michigan and poor FT shooting at the end of the game were able to hold on and cover. Xavier in a great Big East battle covered at home against Marquette. The handicap was spot on for the Musketeers. Temple had a chance to win the game vs. Memphis but faltered late still covering the spread. The lone miss was on ECU at home. They could not keep up in scoring. Now let’s jump into today’s slate.

St. Joseph’s Hawks vs. LaSalle Explorers (-1.5); total 144.5; 1:00pm ct

The Explorers are 2-2 in the Atlantic-10 hosting the St. Joe’s Hawks who are now 1-4 in the A10. I like the Explorers and the leadership of HC Fran Dunphy to get the win at home vs. St. Joe’s. LaSalle has been covering games lately and is 6-0 straight up vs. the Hawks at home. Give me the Explorers.

#10 Purdue Boilermakers vs. Michigan State Spartans (+3.5); total 133.5; 1:30pm ct

Highly ranked Purdue returns to the Breslin Center as road favorites in this Big 10 matchup. This is a must win game for MSU with 1st place in the Big 10 is on the line. Recently Michigan State has struggled against Purdue but I like taking the points here. Last season, Purdue with a much better team struggled mightily on the road at Michigan State and I expect more of the same today. MSU has veteran guards and the size to matchup with the Boilermakers. Izzo as a home dog? I’ll take the Spartans.

George Washington Colonials (+8.5) vs. George Mason Patriots; total 144.5; 3:00pm ct

The Colonials have had success in keeping games close in this matchup. George Washington has enough offense to stay close on the road. George Mason has not been blowing any in the A10 out. I’m taking the Colonials on the road to have a similar performance they had last year on the road vs. the Patriots.

Illinois Fightin’ Illini vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (+9.5); total 136.5; 5:00pm ct

Minnesota is coming off a great win on the road against Ohio State. Since Big 10 break, the Golden Gophers have covered its last 3 games. Illinois has Indiana at home on deck so I’m thinking it’ll be a look ahead spot today, which bodes well for the Gophers. Minnesota is surging at the right time and I’ll grab the high number here.

Syracuse Orange Men (+7.5) vs. Miami Hurricanes; total 150.5; 6:00pm ct

The Hurricanes are coming off of an OT loss on the road against North Carolina State. Syracuse doesn’t have it’s usual top of the ACC squad but they are not getting blown out by anybody. Miami has loss 2 of its last 3 while Syracuse has won 4 of its last 5. Both teams are tied for 2nd in the ACC with a handful of schools. Syracuse is 7-2 against the spread its last 9 on the road at Miami. Give me Boeheim and the Orange to keep this game close and cover the number.